Monday, November 08, 2010

Titles and Plots

‘Oh pish!’ I thought when Julian Fellowes named his book Past Imperfect published in 2008.When I started my blog in January 2006 I had named it Past Imperfect and planned to use the same title for my memoir.I discovered that Joan Collins had used it in 1978 for her autobiography but, as there is no copyright for book titles, I admire Joan and it was published last century it seemed reasonable to use it again.I’m still searching for the right title.

Last night on BBC1 TV was the final episode of the period drama Downton Abbey written by…Julian Fellowes.At first I thought it was just another Upstairs, Downstairs that fine TV series from 1971 written by actresses Eileen Atkins and Jean Marsh there are many similarities

In spite of the large viewing audience some of them have pointed out historical inaccuracies, spotting a television aerial, double yellow lines on the road and a very modern looking conservatory( it is set in Edwardian times)Then there were rumblings about sections of the plot;suggesting that parts had been plagiarised from the novel Little Women and the 1942 film Mrs Miniver.

‘All we get is this permanent negative nit- picking from the Left.The real problem is with people who are insecure socially,’ says Mr Fellowes, whose wife is lady- in- waiting to Princess Michael.There’s posh!

I have to say that although both the film and the book are old favourites of mine I wasn’t troubled by any plot similarities.

There are said to be only seven basic plots in literature – or 39, or a 100 depending on who is being quoted.The point is that some are bound to be recycled from time to time.

‘Who can say what is lodged in one’s brain?I am not conscious of lifting either, but it doesn’t mean they are wrong,’ was Fellowes’ response and I sympathise with him.

I have watched every episode and found it to be perfect Sunday night television.The casting director deserves an award; every one of the large cast is just right and Dame Maggie Smith was born to play the Dowager Countess of Grantham

There was a time when her acting became as camp as Christmas – but that was decades ago and she has since proved to be one of the best actresses in living memory.

The plot threads are shared between the family and below stairs with a certain amount of skilful intertwining.There was no happy ending – WW1 had just broken out, a love affair has gone wrong and – without giving the story away - there is a tragedy in the family.It is already out on DVD and in spite of the flaws – the Dowager Countess would not have said:

‘Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

I urge you to watch it for some escapist entertainment.

There is a new series commissioned for next year and I believe there is going to be an updated version of Upstairs, Downstairs.That should set the cat amongst the pigeons.

19 comments:

I only managed to see the episode where the Butler's past in music hall was revealed, but it looked like a good series. And I know Highclere (which looks like a mini Houses of Parliament) quite well. Indeed, we have some Highclere daffodils at rashbre central.

I've been asked a few times, if I could photograph anyone famous, who would it be? Dame Maggie Smith is always there at or near the top of the list. What a face, and boy does she know how to use it - a portrait photgrapher's dream :)

Hi Pat. You are in good company. The late P.G.Wodehouse published a novel in 1929 called Summer Lightning, and in the preface he revealed that since thinking of that title he had discovered that five other novels had been published called Summer Lightning. He ends the preface "I can only express the modest hope that this story will be considered worthy of inclusion in the list of the Hundred Best Books Called Summer Lightning."Warm regards to you both, Mike.

I will have to wait and see if PBS/ Masterpiece theater shows it or I will have to rent it from Netflix.I use to watch BBC America for some great TV shows but now all it seems to run is a show called Top Gear (?)and reruns of Star Trek... I don't even check it out anymore so bummed !

We haven't gotten this series here yet, But it sounds WONDERFUL! Right up my alley...!I look forward to it and maybe I can rent the DVD! Thanks for the Heads Up, Pat....Come by and read my Anniversary Post, if you have the time...!

Macy: don't be put off - it really is worth watching and I only quoted it because it is such a ridiculous thing to say. When it was pointed out to him that the remarks had been made by right wingers he trotted out the 'people who are insecure socially.'

Eryl: you might even enjoy it now - Scarlet loved it;)

Naomi: do see it if you can and let me know what you think of it. I'll pop ever before bed-time.

I remember watching Upstairs, Downstairs and I loved it and couldn't wait for the next week's show to arrive. I hope they bring it back, but I'd really like to see all the old episodes again. That and "Roots" were the best things on TV, ever.

My goodness, an updated version of Upstairs Downstairs? We've only just finished watching all five series on DVD.If titles aren't copyright I don't see why you shouldn't call your book Past Imperfect. But all your readers must be waiting eagerly to get a copy whatever it's called.

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About Me

Grand mother but still a girl at heart. Married to MTL(my true love)after a separation of 30 years. Had three careers: trained paediatric nurse, National photographic model and business woman. Now settled in SW and enjoying our five children and ten grandchildren and making the most of what time we have left.
In January 2013 I lost MTL.